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What makes hydraulics and pneumatics different from each other? Both realms are two slightly different versions of the same technique of using fluid molecules to transmit controlled forces to achieve work. Both hydraulic and pneumatic systems use the same two common actuators; cylinders to create linear force and motors to create rotational force. In a lot of cases, these actuators can be exchanged with their colleagues, albeit with a reduction in pressure if you're using an air component in a hydraulic system.
The fundamental difference between the two systems is in the media themselves. Pneumatics obviously uses air as the force transmission medium, while hydraulics uses liquid to transmit force. I'm just as guilty as the next dude in over-generalizing when I describe the hydraulic medium as fluid. It's not incorrect to say hydraulic fluid, but also, you wouldn't be incorrect to...